Amon-Ra St. Brown was unsure where he would wind up in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he knew one spot he did not want to go: the Detroit Lions.
The USC receiver did not get his desire, as the Lions drafted him in the fourth round that year and helped him develop into one of the league’s best receivers. Now, after signing an agreement that included the most guaranteed money of any receiver in league history, St. Brown is reflecting on how incorrect he was in his first impression.
“Reflecting on his draft experience, Amon-Ra St. Brown said Detroit was the one team he didn’t want to draft him,” Detroit News writer Justin Rogers told X. “Now, he claimed that was the best thing that could have occurred; I doubt he would have excelled like this anywhere else. He stated that if he could do it again, he would pay to come here.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Lands Massive Extension
St. Brown quickly proved the Lions right with their selection, making 90 receptions for 912 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie season. He continued to improve from there, making 106 catches for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns in 2022 and 119 receptions for 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
St. Brown played a big role in the team’s breakout season, with the Lions winning the division for the first time in three decades and advancing to their second NFC Championship game appearance in franchise history.
With St. Brown entering the final season of his rookie contract, the Lions made a significant financial investment. According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, the Lions have signed St. Brown to a four-year, $120 million contract extension that includes a league-record $77 million in guarantees.
Speaking to ESPN before the contract was announced, St. Brown said he wants to build on the team’s NFC title game appearance and achieve even more in 2024.
“My goals for next year are definitely going to be loftier goals than last year, but I want to win the Super Bowl,” Brown said. “That is the number one goal for me and our entire team: to win the Super Bowl.
“We’re hungry and ready for it,” he added. “We came up short last year, but we believe we are prepared. We have the guys on this team. We’ve been there before; we know what it’s like, and it begins now for us.
